As Istanbul has been listed as one of the most lucrative real estate investment hubs in a number of international real estate reviews, in the most recent Emerging Trend in Real Estate Europe 2011 Report, Istanbul was selected first in three different categories. The report, which is prepared according to predictions by over 600 of Europe's leading sector representatives spanning from real estate investors, creditors, intermediaries and real estate consultants, reveals that interest in Istanbul by the international real estate sector is on an increasing trend.The eighth annual report, prepared by PWC and Urban Land Institute, lists Istanbul in first place alongside Munich at 6.08 points for 'Current Investment Performance'. Istanbul, which in 2010 was in seventh place with 4.83 points, this year, leaves Hamburg, Paris, London, Vienna and Milan in its wake. Istanbul also took the top spot in the 'New Investment Opportunities' category with 6.38 points, also rising above London, Munich, Hamburg and Paris.COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE STANDS OUT Istanbul managed to maintain its position as the number one location for 'Development Potential', with 6.63 points, as determined by 600 sector representatives. According to the report, commercial real estate stands out as being the most lucrative investment opportunities. With residential property demands mainly served by national firms, the 600 individuals that contributed to the Emerging Trend in Real Estate Europe 2011 report foresee the break-down of the highest-earning real estate investments as follows; 24.5 percent are office investments, 24.5 percent consist of shopping malls. 18.9 percent are hotel investments and 17 are industrial structure investments with 15 percent serving as investments in residences.